SNAP!
Ben released his grip and quickly donned the black and purple combat suit that resembled advanced diving equipment, its bio-responsive fabric automatically adjusting to his transformed Incursean physiology.
The unfortunate Incursean soldiers who had been stationed nearby had been systematically stripped of their equipment and left unconscious in hidden compartments throughout the vessel.
Understanding the fundamental nature of Incursean psychology and their species' inherent treachery, Ben had anticipated from the very beginning that they would never attend any peace conference with genuine diplomatic intentions. This predictable behavior pattern had led him to formulate a preemptive infiltration plan designed to uncover exactly what schemes these amphibian supremacists were orchestrating.
The infiltration strategy itself was elegantly simple in its execution.
By disguising himself as a stranded Sakaar warrior in distress, Ben had calculated that the Incurseans would be unable to resist the opportunity to acquire Tetramand engine technology or capture a high-ranking Plumber operative as a trophy for Emperor Milleous's collection.
Of course, if they had simply chosen to vaporize his ship without investigation, Ben wouldn't have pursued this particular approach, and if such thing happen he can always use the Enhanced alien to deal with it straight on.
Fortunately, the plan had proceeded exactly as anticipated.
After detecting his apparently disabled spacecraft, several greedy and reckless Incursean soldiers had immediately abandoned tactical caution and rushed forward to claim their prize, only to be effortlessly overwhelmed by Ben's superior combat capabilities and have their genetic material harvested for analysis.
"Incurseans are pathetically weak!" Ben muttered, flexing his three-fingered amphibian hand and testing the limits of his new form's physical capabilities.
He couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment at the transformation's underwhelming performance.
Absolutely terrible! This marked the first time he had ever been so thoroughly unimpressed with an alien species' baseline capabilities.
But the Incursean physiology was remarkably ordinary, in fact, it was significantly inferior to his human form's natural abilities before any enhancement...
Even his basic Spider-Man powers completely overwhelmed what the Bullfrag transformation could offer.
Through preliminary testing, Ben estimated that his current strength levels were roughly equivalent to Captain America's capabilities, and he was referring to the most basic version of Steve Rogers, someone who had received only a single injection of the original Super Soldier Serum.
This power level could only be described as unimaginably weak by space standards. It was particularly embarrassing considering that Bullfrag represented the peak specimen compared to typical Incursean physiology. Ben now stood nearly two meters tall with a muscular frame that dwarfed the scrawny amphibians he had encountered.
The difference between his transformed state and standard Incurseans resembled the contrast between Steve Rogers before and after his serum enhancement.
The only advantages Incurseans possessed over baseline humans appeared to be superior jumping ability and a retractable tongue that could be projected from their mouths with surprising force and accuracy.
"Some people would definitely appreciate this tongue's capabilities," Ben observed with dark humor.
He extended the appendage with experimental force, watching as it shot out like a biological grappling hook and left a shallow groove in the spacecraft's reinforced iron bulkhead.
"Phase two commences."
Ben methodically collected the unconscious bodies of the Incursean soldiers and transported them to his original sip. He then piloted the captured Incursean patrol craft to a safe distance before destroying both the ship and its contents with a single energy blast, eliminating any evidence of his presence.
Next, he connected his artificial intelligence interface to the spacecraft's computer systems and began systematically penetrating the Incursean Empire's communication networks.
"Azmuth, fabricate identity credentials," Ben commanded.
"Identity creation completed successfully," came the familiar voice of his AI assistant.
"Incursean Empire Second-Class Private, identification number: 2378174007. All background records have been inserted into their personnel database."
"The next objective is finding a method to approach Emperor Milleous directly."
Ben piloted the stolen spacecraft away from the engagement zone, and within a short time, he intercepted an emergency communication signal from a secondary command vessel.
"Milleous is ordering all combat units to return to staging areas? This definitely confirms our suspicions!"
He settled into the pilot's seat with his legs crossed, using his three-fingered hand to stroke what approximated a Superman-like square jaw in this amphibian form.
Although Bullfrag was neither particularly strong nor aesthetically impressive, the transformation did possess a certain rugged charisma that would probably qualify him as exceptionally handsome by Incursean standards.
Based on the tactical orders being transmitted by Milleous's command structure, the Incursean Empire was systematically withdrawing nearly all frontline forces from active combat zones, transferring operational control to various subjugated civilizations including space pirates and the Spartoi Empire that had previously engaged Captain America's forces.
However, the core Incursean fleets were secretly assembling in hidden staging areas, which obviously indicated preparation for a major operation.
"Is Milleous planning to launch a surprise attack during the peace conference?" Ben mused aloud.
The more he considered the tactical situation, the more convinced he became that this represented the only logical explanation for the current troop movements.
The remaining question was determining which specific empire or empires they intended to target.
The possibility of simultaneously attacking all three major powers seemed strategically unsound. Such an approach would only force the Kree Empire and Skrull Empire to set aside their ancient hatred and unite against the Incursean threat.
Ben calculated that if he were in Milleous's position, the wisest strategy would involve forming a temporary alliance with one faction to eliminate another, then betraying the alliance partners once they had been weakened by the conflict.
But the fundamental problem was that both the Kree and Skrull Empires now harbored deep resentment toward the Incurseans after being manipulated and betrayed.
"It couldn't be that they're planning to ally with the Sakaar Empire, could it? I haven't received any intelligence suggesting such negotiations."
He continued analyzing possibilities while piloting the tadpole-shaped vessel toward the secondary starship that had transmitted the recall signal. Soon, he could observe hundreds of similar craft converging on the command vessel like a swarm of insects returning to their nest.
The starship's docking bay opened, and several uniformed soldiers gestured for approaching vessels to land in designated areas.
Ben followed standard procedures and blended seamlessly into the formation, queuing with the other returning patrol craft.
The Incursean warriors appeared mass-produced from identical genetic templates, every individual possessed the same miserable facial expression and a wrinkled, prune-like head protruding from their standard black and purple combat uniforms.
The traffic control officer was preparing to direct Ben's spacecraft through routine landing procedures when his bulging eyes inadvertently caught sight of Ben's face through the cockpit viewport and suddenly widened with shock.
Wait, what? How is someone that handsome?
The controller stared as if witnessing a miraculous evolutionary leap within a species known for its unfortunate appearance.
Incredibly attractive? This requires immediate investigation!
"Who are you? Present your identification immediately!" the officer demanded with obvious suspicion.
The targeting was somewhat rhetorical, Ben's appearance was simply too exceptional by Incursean standards. His handsome features, well-defined facial structure, and powerful physique made him appear to belong to an entirely different species rather than representing a normal member of Incursean society!
"Sir, my designation is Bullfrag, Second-Class Private, identification number 2378174007," Ben replied, offering the forged documentation with practiced ease.
The soldier examined Ben's credentials for an extended period, his gaze shifting repeatedly between the identification card and Ben's distinctive features. After finally accepting that "such an attractive individual could actually exist in this universe," his expression grew noticeably more sullen than before.
However, he quickly found consolation in other aspects of the situation.
At least his name is absolutely terrible!
Someone actually named themselves Bullfrag, how pathetic.
Despite being classified as merely a secondary starship, this vessel's dimensions were surprisingly comparable to those of a small planetary body.
Ben naturally integrated himself into the disembarking troops and casually asked, "I wonder what Emperor Milleous requires of us?"
The Incursean he addressed nearly jumped out of his skin with terror. He was preparing to leap up and deliver a punishing blow to Ben's head when he turned around and discovered his own head barely reached Ben's waist level. He immediately lost his aggressive impulse and stared with obvious bewilderment.
"Do you have a death wish?" the smaller soldier asked with genuine concern.
"You must address him as His Imperial Majesty Emperor Milleous, Beacon of the Incursean Empire, Destroyer of Galaxies, Master of the Death Ray..." The litany of grandiose titles continued for several minutes until the speaker was nearly gasping for breath.
"If the officers hear you using such disrespectful language, you'll be executed without trial! What a waste of such exceptional genetic material!"
"My apologies, I'm newly assigned to this unit," Ben replied, scratching his head while displaying his private's identification.
"Exercise more caution in the future!" the soldier admonished, though Ben's imposing physical presence clearly intimidated him enough to moderate his criticism. Instead, he offered explanation: "Ah, you're just a private, no wonder you lack proper briefing."
"The reason we've been recalled is to exploit the Galactic Conference as cover for a coordinated assault against all three empires, allowing us to claim dominion over the entire universe!"
Excitement blazed in the soldier's eyes as he contemplated their empire's approaching victory.
Despite being merely an exploited Incursean worker who barely received adequate nutrition under Milleous's oppressive regime, he couldn't suppress his pride at the prospect of Incursean universal domination.
"Attack all three empires simultaneously?" Ben asked, genuinely stunned by this revelation.
"Our forces aren't sufficient for such an ambitious undertaking, are they? I've heard the Sakaar Empire possesses numerous powerful warriors, and even Vilgax suffered defeat at their hands."
"That tentacled squid is irrelevant!" several other Incurseans chimed in as they joined the conversation.
They had all noticed Ben's distinctive appearance, which set him apart from typical amphibian soldiers. Even though he currently held only private rank, his exceptional looks might eventually attract Princess Attea's favorable attention.
"We've received intelligence about Ma Vreedle's involvement!"
It's the Vreedle family! Ben immediately understood the implications.
But even with those destructive maniacs as allies, the combined force wouldn't represent a genuine threat to three major galactic empires.
"The Vreedles are nothing compared to our true secret weapon!" another soldier declared with obvious pride.
He couldn't imagine anything more significant than the legendary Vreedle family's destructive capabilities.
What other secret weapon the Incursion have??
"Of course it's Way Big!" the soldier confirmed enthusiastically.
Ben thought: ???
"No, no, no, it should be called the Waybad. That arrogant crab has finally proven useful for something, "
Blue electrical current erupted instantaneously, transforming the speaking Incursean soldier into charcoal right before Ben's eyes.
Ben startled and quickly traced the energy discharge to its source, spotting an elderly crab-like entity with a blue-purple exoskeleton and a body roughly the size of a large barrel approaching with pompous dignity.
Dr. Psychobos.
The creature's cranial shell remained partially open, exposing his overdeveloped brain tissue to the surrounding environment. Two claws of dramatically different sizes stroked his facial appendages as he spoke with obvious irritation.
"How dare you refer to me as a 'crab'? You incompletely evolved amphibians, metamorphically stunted life forms lacking proper neural development, pathetic aesthetic failures... I'm being remarkably charitable in my assessment."
"If you continue provoking me, that buffoon Milleous will have you all executed. I'm demonstrating considerable restraint."
While Dr. Psychobos vented his frustration, he also noticed Ben's exceptional appearance among the assembled troops.
"Finally, someone with acceptable characteristics," he observed, studying Ben with scientific interest. "You possess reasonably attractive features, a rare individual with superior genetic qualities, distinct from other inferior organisms. Unfortunately..."
He shook his head with apparent regret.
"The fundamental inadequacies of your species are overwhelming. Even exceptional specimens achieve only this modest level of development. Essentially worthless!"
"I'm being diplomatically generous."
Dr. Psychobos continued his condescending commentary, and Ben found himself struggling to maintain composure. The arrogant crustacean's words were genuinely infuriating, and if Ben didn't fundamentally look down on Incursean culture, he would have initiated combat immediately.
In Ben's assessment, Incurseans were roughly equivalent to the most problematic aspects of human tribalism amplified to space proportions.
However, he did recall that the Waybad represented Dr. Psychobos's cloned creation using corrupted To'kustar genetic material.
Now that he had encountered the scientist directly, Ben decided to implement some psychological manipulation.
He coughed diplomatically and spoke against his better judgment: "Are you the legendary greatest intellect across all galactic sectors? I've heard that even Azmuth, supposedly the smartest being in five galaxies, cannot compare to your genius."
Dr. Psychobos's reaction was immediate and dramatic: (ˇˇ)!!
Finally! Someone who recognizes my true worth!
Dr. Psychobos was so delighted that his entire exoskeleton seemed to glow with pleasure. He had already appreciated Ben's superior appearance, and now he wanted to keep the flattering amphibian as a permanent friend for continuous ego reinforcement.
"You'll serve as my personal assistant from this point forward!" he declared with obvious satisfaction.